Daytime Divas

Monday, 10 p.m., VH1

When she wasn’t singing Sondheim in concert or starring on Broadway, Vanessa Williams made a career out of playing formidable women on television, most memorably fashion editor Wilhelmina Slater on ABC’s “Ugly Betty.” In the new comedy “Daytime Divas,” Williams, 54, is playing Barbara Walters — well, a character inspired by Walters, the former host of ABC’s “The View.”

The series is based on “Satan’s Sisters,” a roman à clef by Walters’ co-host Star Jones. Maxine Robinson (Williams) sits in the coveted “left chair” on “The Lunch Hour,” a chat show she presides over with a clutch of women seething with ambition and ready to betray each other. Regular viewers of “The View” will recognize them right away. There’s the brassy stand-up comedian (Tichina Arnold), the right-wing Christian mom (Fiona Gubelmann) and the serious journalist (Camille Guaty).

Not only was Williams, who lives in Chappaqua, NY, a guest on “The View,” she also served as a co-host. She shared her thoughts about that show and “Daytime Divas” with The Post.

As a “View” co-host, did you help plan the show?
As a co-host, yes. It gave me the firsthand knowledge of everyone sitting in the makeup room. Barbara’s to my right. Joy [Behar] was to my left. That’s kind of where it all went down. Everyone was given notecards as to what the topics were going to be and we kind of discussed them briefly.

Who led the discussion?
Barbara.

Williams with Star JonesGetty Images

In preparing to play Maxine, did you make her more like Barbara or Star, or is she an amalgam of the slightly devious women you’ve played on television?
It’s a combination of them all. For sure, Barbara Walters, because she’s interviewed popes and presidents and pop stars. She lives in a luxury townhouse and has a longstanding relationship with friends she can call upon in a power setting. Star, for her warmth and her sass. She’s a mogul, but does it in a very Southern way. For instance, Maxine says, “C’mon, baby girl, you know I got you.” So [it’s like] that eloquence and ease that Star has with her speech. And Wilhelmina, for somebody who just tells it like it is.

Which is why, when I was approached to do the project, I wanted to have two writers from “Ugly Betty,” Jon Kinnally and Tracy Poust, who are good friends of mine. They knew my voice, they knew my comic timing. And that was really important to me.

In the premiere, Maxine goes into a brief coma. When she comes out her co-hosts are at each other’s throats. What steps will she take to get these girls under control again?
Well, there’s always the threat of being replaced. And there are a lot of replacements throughout our 10 episodes. We have a lot of great guest stars.

I’m sure the level of cattiness has been heightened for entertainment purposes on your show, but were you aware of tension when you were on “The View”?
No one took a shoe off and threatened to hit me with it. But [as Star’s book says] there were affairs. There were babies that were conceived out of wedlock.

‘No one took a shoe off and threatened to hit me with it. But [as Star’s book says] there were affairs. There were babies that were conceived out of wedlock.’

- Vanessa Williams

When are you making another record album?
I sing all the time. I did the Memorial day concert two nights ago. I had a gig in Mississippi Friday night. I’m going to be at the Newport jazz Festival in California this weekend. So new music? I think I’m going to have to do it by myself. Adult contemporary, smooth jazz contemporary that I was in is dwindling, doesn’t make any money.

Which of these Vanessa Williams avenues do you prefer?
Broadway. I get a chance to do it all. I’m playing a great role. Surrounded by a great ensemble. Singing amazing material. Acting, dancing and singing in front of a live audience. I’ve been lucky to work with Hal Prince. Stephen Sondheim. James Lapine. I’m going to do Sondheim and Sondheim again just for one night out at the Hollywood Bowl in July.

Do you see Hillary in Chappaqua?
Bill and Hillary and [Gov. Andrew] Cuomo were at the Memorial Day concert. [She shares an iPhone photo.] They march every year. They live about two miles down the road. And Cuomo lives in the next town over.

What’s the secret of your longevity?
It’s about taking chances. Be willing to expand. And be professional. I just did “Difficult People,” which is hilarious. I play a balloon artist from the deep South who’s trying to make it. I have an accent and do crazy stuff. These are the kinds of one-off things that allow me to feel young and keep it going.

And here’s what else to watch this week:

Silicon Valley

Sunday, 10 p.m., HBO
Richard (Thomas Middleditch) stands up to a patent troll, but his defiance comes back to haunt him. Erlich (T.J. Miller) mixes with a group of alpha males.

I’m Dying Up Here

Sunday, 10 p.m., ShowtimeSeries premiere. The 1970s LA comedy scene is the backdrop for this series starring Melissa Leo as club owner Goldie Herschlag. The regulars at her joint vent when a comic is invited on “The Tonight Show.” Meanwhile, Boston arrivistes Eddie Zeidel (Michael Angarano) and Ron Shack (Clark Duke) are shocked by their accommodations, and up-and-comer Adam (R.J. Cyler) is forced into a weird situation by his manager.

The Bachelorette

Monday, 8 p.m., ABC
“The Ellen DeGeneres Show” turns into a strip joint when six bachelors undress and dance to raise money for charity. Later, Rachel Lindsay takes one bachelor on a horseback ride down Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills. For kicks, her friends surprise her with a bachelor mud-wrestling competition.

Fargo

Orange is the New Black

Friday, NetflixSeason premiere. Last season saw the death of one major character, Poussey (Samira Wiley), and the revolution of another, Daya (Dascha Polanco), who took two corrections officers hostage, with a gun pointed at Humphrey’s (Michael Torpey) head. Also starring Taylor Schilling, Selenis Leyva and Kate Mulgrew.

Better Call Saul

Genius

Tuesday, 9 p.m., National Geographic
Patriotism corrupts one of Einstein’s (Geoffrey Rush) close friends, pitting them against each other. Co-starring Emily Watson as Mrs. Einstein and Richard Topol as Fritz Haber.